Inspectable tunnel for underground pipes and cables

ABSTRACT

An inspectable tunnel comprises two opposite, vertical trays ( 1 ), whereof one is equipped with pallets ( 2 ) used to hold cables or conduits whilst the other has supports ( 26 ) whereon a plurality of hinged lids ( 15 ) can rest. The latter are connected to the pallets ( 2 ) and can have two positions; an appreciably vertical one to form an independent compartment joined to the two adjacent pallets, and the other position is appreciably horizontal and resting on the supports ( 26 ), so that the compartment thus defined is accessible from the outside.

This applications is a 371 national stage of application PCT/ES02/00019filed Jan. 16, 2002.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an inspectable tunnel which can housethe different cable installations that run through cities generallylocated in the pavements, forming, in this way, networks to supply theinhabitants with power, lighting, data, TV and communications ingeneral.

At present, the objectives of the engineers, both of city councils andliberal professionals, is none other than to minimize the negativeimpact made on cities when it is necessary to install a new type ofutility.

Although in a summarized form, it is convenient to review the differentutilities required by a modern city and their characteristics with theaim of focussing the problem we are attempting to resolve.

Usually, the utilities to be considered are:

-   1. Sewage network, wherein normally large-sectioned pipes located in    the longitudinal axis of the street or roadway are used. They are    installations which are consolidated in cities and difficult to    position in a utility tunnel, both for technical reasons and the    high execution cost of the possible utility tunnel.-   2. Drinking water supply network. Here we have a case similar to the    above, worsened by the high pressure worked with and the negative    effect that this would have on the other installations located in    the theoretical tunnel (flooding, short circuits, etc).-   3. Town gas installations. The existing safety standards make it    impossible, or at least costly, to share a space with other    installations, e.g. electricity.-   4. Electricity. It has a negative effect on other communications    installations, creating interferences, electrical noises and other    problems.-   5. Lighting installations. They usually cause electromagnetic noise.-   6. Cable TV. Its presence does not complicate other installations.-   7. Pair telephony. Its presence does not complicate other    installations.-   8. Fibre optic communications, its presence does not complicate    other installations.-   9. Internet, safety, signalling, etc. Its presence does not    complicate other installations.-   Any utility to be installed inevitably has to go through the    following stages:    -   Perform a study of the networks already installed.    -   Analyse the existing networks to see the useful space, defining        the location of the new network.    -   Designing and rethinking the new network.    -   Digging up the pavement and excavating the trench.    -   Fitting the network pipes.    -   Covering the trench.    -   Replacing the pavement.

Without a doubt, all or a large part of the phases described areresolved with an inspectable tunnel. Due the difficulty in execution andhigh cost, only in a very few occasions are the infrastructures incities equipped with an inspectable tunnels that accommodate thedifferent utility installations.

An inhabitant of any country is used to going out in the morning to thestreet to find that the pavements have been dug up, e.g. to install anew utility (currently in Spain, fibre optic for cable TV andcommunications) Probably the year after he/she will observe that his/herstreet has been again dug up to replace a power cable, etc.

There is no doubt that the world's cities have to be modernized,adapting their infrastructures to the progresses of science (telephonyand communications) and to safety standards (burying the overheadelectricity installations), etc. All of this is executed with onecriterion, where the opportunity to invest and investor's choice of thetime it will be done, predominates. This causes the constant opening oftrenches, with differences in time ranging from a few months to severalyears. The results is none other than causing problems to theinhabitants, shopkeepers and a high fuel cost due to the traffic jamscaused by this work.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An objective of the present invention is to solve this problem in arational, profitable way, using a prefabricated inspectable tunnel:

-   -   In the case of a new residential development, permitting        reducing the costs of the residential development.    -   In the case of an active city, making it technically possible to        execute a utility tunnel that houses all the necessary        installations.

The system recommended in the present invention is based on alightweight element, manufactured in a light material, such as acompound of polyester resins reinforced with fibreglass so that, oncefitted in the chosen place, the sides of the element forming the tunnelare filled with concrete, with the thickness resulting from thecorresponding calculation, depending on whether it is located in thepavement or the roadway. The assembly thus installed can engage severalutility installations such as power, lighting, traffic lights, TV,internet, fibre optic, etc. therein, without it being necessary to opentrenches to install or modify them with the passing of time. On thecontrary, it is sufficient to open the covers positioned on the upperpart thereof, then introduce the corresponding conductors.

Since the assembly thus constructed permits lifting up the cover of anyof the independent compartments, the operator who is working on aninstallation will only have to open the corresponding cover of thecompartment allotted to his/her utility and when it is opened, the othercompartments will remain thereunder, permitting laying the conductors onthe open cover, housing them, using side pressure, in their compartmentand then closing the cover. Once this operation has been performed, thegeneral covers positioned on the upper part of the tunnel are closedthus concluding the operation. These covers can generally be coated witha non-slip paving.

The assembly thus constructed permits easily, and in a short space oftime, replacing any new conductors, new operator (using a newcompartment), repair of any conductor, etc).

The advantages that the system disclosed provides can be summarised inthe following manner:

-   -   Occupies minimum ground space on the pavement, as all the cable        installations are situated on the same vertical plane.    -   Saving on the investment, eliminating cable carrying pipes and        minimizing the number and width of the trenches in the works to        be executed.    -   Avoiding, in future, any new work to install a new utility, i.e.    -   Reduction in costs of the installation.    -   Reduction in social costs to businesses and inhabitants.    -   Elimination of the danger of accidents.    -   Quick execution, the reduction in operating time being in the        order of 50 times less.    -   Reduction in costs for a new utility installation, the reduction        being in the order of 50 times less than the system used in the        prior art.    -   Given its characteristics, the system can be installed in both        of the pavements of a street, avoiding the installations from        crossing the roadway.    -   Give safety to blind people, disabled people and the elderly or        handicapped, due to walking on a non-slip surface contained on        the cover.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To complement the preceding description and for the object of helpingtowards a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention,a detailed description of a preferred embodiment will be made, based ona set of drawings which is attached to these specifications, and whereinthe following is represented with a merely illustrative, non-limitingcharacter.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic section of an embodiment according to the priorart in the case that there is free space underneath the pavement.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic section of an embodiment according to the priorart in the case there is no free space underneath the pavement.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic section of an embodiment according to the priorart, wherein the different stages have been indicated.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic section of an embodiment according to the priorart using a conventional utility tunnel underneath the pavement.

FIG. 5 shows a schematic section of an embodiment of an embodimentaccording to the prior art using a utility tunnel under the roadway.

FIG. 6 shows a section of a concrete utility tunnel using conventionalframing.

FIG. 7 shows a section of a utility tunnel executed using prefabricatedcontract according to the prior art.

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the panels that form the inspectabletunnel, equipped with pallets.

FIG. 9 shows a front view of the panel represented in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 shows a rear view of the panel represented in FIG. 8.

FIG. 11 shows a side view of the panel represented in FIG. 8.

FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of one of the panels which form theinspectable tunnel, equipped with supports for the hinged covers.

FIG. 13 shows a front view of the panel represented in FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 shows a rear view of the panel represented in FIG. 12.

FIG. 15 shows a side view of the panel represented in FIG. 12.

FIG. 16 shows a top view of the hinged cover.

FIG. 17 shows a top view of the hinged cover.

FIG. 18 shows a side view of the hinged cover.

FIG. 19 shows a front view of a pallet.

FIG. 20 shows a top view of a pallet.

FIG. 21 shows a side view of a pallet.

FIG. 22 shows a section of the upper cover assembly.

FIG. 23 shows a schematic view of the bracing pipes.

FIG. 24 shows a section of the inspectable tunnel object of theinvention.

FIG. 25 shows a section of a non-inspectable embodiment using theconstrictive elements of the inspectable tunnel of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

In said figures, the numerical references correspond to the followingparts and elements.

-   1. Vertical tray.-   2. Pallet.-   3. Recesses-   4. By-pass outlets.-   5. Flanges.-   6. Bore to fix hinged cover.-   7. Female edge.-   8. Male edge.-   9. Upper bracing.-   10. Lower bracing.-   11. Rear ribs.-   12. Inner pipe.-   13. Outer pipe.-   14. Through bores.-   15. Hinged lid.-   16. Rotary bore.-   17. Fastening lugs.-   18. Cross ribs.-   19. Additional tray.-   20. Lower ribs.-   21. Fastening orifices.-   22. Telescopic shores.-   23. Upper cover.-   24. Frame.-   25. Hinge.-   26. Cover support.-   27. Dividers.

The execution of piping and cabling according to the prior art,comprises the following stages:

-   A study is performed on the already installed networks. evaluating    their height and ground plan situation.-   After evaluating the existing networks and seeing the useful space,    the location of the new networks is defined. Two cases can rise:-   1. That the pavement has the capacity to house the new network which    is the optimum case. See FIG. 1.-   2. That the pavement does not have the capacity, with which the new    network should run under the roadway or rut area, which is the most    complicated case due to the difficulties caused by traffic, not only    when installing it but also for maintenance work of the network in    the future. See FIG. 2.-   Designing and rethinking the new network, maintaining the obligatory    distance from the closest installed network, both the height and    side distance; e.g. is we have to install a fibre optic network for    communications and the closest installation is a power transporting    network, we would have to maintain a minimum distance of 15 cms    between the networks, so that there are no problems with electrical    noise.-   Digging up the pavement, FIG. 3 (a) excavation of the trench, FIG. 3    (b).-   Fitting the pipe or pipes to carry the network, FIG. 3 (c).-   Covering the trench, with compact earth or concrete, FIG. 3 (d).-   Replacing the pavement, FIG. 3 (e).

In the case of individual, non-inspectable installations, networksformed from one or more pipes of different diameters manufactured fromdifferent materials are constructed. Generally we can call these type ofducts a mono-duct as they have a single cavity or volume through whichthe conductors pass, normally of a single utility.

They have the following drawbacks:

-   The type of duct defined above, does not give it the possibility of    being inspectable, i.e. its structure prevents the pipe from being    opened to extract or introduce a new conductor, nor can the    condition of the installation be viewed or faults be repaired.-   To install a new network or utility, it is necessary to proceed as    mentioned above.

An advantage one can state is that only the company which owns it canhandle or have access thereto.

In the case of inspectable tunnels, networks formed from a singleinspectable element, equipped with a tray that houses the differentconductors corresponding to the different utilities, arranged within thecommon compartment, and positioned at different levels are constructed,so that each one of the different networks or installations has itsdesignated place. The assembly can be visited as someone can go insideand it has entrances. See FIG. 4.

It has the following drawbacks:

-   It is very expensive to construct.-   It is practically impossible to equip cities with this type of    engineering and, of course, completely impossible in the old    quarters thereof.-   Longitudinal, one way installation. This has the problem of the    distribution of connections to the homes located on both sides of    the street. See FIG. 5.

An advantage we can give is that the street is opened up just once,although it should be able to receive different installations or futurenetworks.

The tunnel can be constructed in concrete using conventional framing.See FIG. 6.

This type of construction has the drawbacks of this type of works.

-   High cost of construction-   Long time to execute.-   Poor final quality of the finish

As an advantage, we can state that it adapts to small works where it isnot necessary to manufacture moulds.

We have the following drawbacks in the case of tunnels constructed withprefabricated modules. See FIG. 7.

-   High cost of construction-   Heavy weight of the prefabricated elements.-   High cost of transport-   Difficult to handle and store.

An advantage is that is quicker to execute than the traditional system.

We will now go on to describe the system of construction object of theinvention, in a preferred embodiment.

As can be seen in FIGS. 8, 9, 10 and 11, one of the prefabricated panelsconsists of a vertical tray (1) with an upper bracing (9) and a lowerbracing (10), whereon a plurality of pallets (2), are arranged atintervals (2), and which has several recesses to engage the necessarybracing until the fill-concrete sets, as well as by-pass outlets (4) inthe form of blind pipes with surge lines to allow the outlet of thecable. The assembly is strengthened by rear ribs (11).

The pallets (2) have connecting flanges (5) and fixing bores (6) tomount and immobilize the hinged covers (15).

The pallets (2) have connecting flanges (5) and fixing bores (6) used tomount and immobilize the hinged covers (15).

The panels can be coupled to one another by male edges (8) fitting onthe female edges (7).

In FIGS. 12 to 15, we can see another embodiment of the prefabricatedpanels wherein the vertical tray (1) is equipped with supports(26)-instead of with pallets (2).

In FIG. 23, we can see the inner pipe (12) and the outer pipe (13) whichforms the temporary bracing of the outer walls when being filled withconcrete. The bracing width is defined by inserting a pin in the throughbore (14) of both pipes (12)(13).

In FIGS. 16, 17 and 18, we can see a hinged cover (15) which hasfastening lugs (17), and cross ribs (18) which end in rotary bores (16).

In FIGS. 19, 20 and 21, we can see an additional tray (19) which can becoupled to one of the panels as is shown in FIGS. 12 to 15, on thesupports (26), with lower ribs (29) which incorporate, on its lowersegment, connecting flanges (5) of the hinged lid and, in its rearsegment, fastening orifices (21) for the supports (26).

The installation of the inspectable tunnel object of the invention isachieved by joining a panel equipped. with pallets and others without,with the aid of bracing pipes laid in the chosen dimension and engagedin the recesses (3). Beforehand, the complementary elements such ascovers to close the space between panels will have been installed andpanels are continued to be added that are coupled at their edges.Finally, the utility tunnel is externally filled, until the level of theupper bracing (9) limit. Once the concrete has set, the telescopicshores (22) are removed and the tunnel remains completely free.

The upper covers (23) and their corresponding frames (24) aresubsequently fitted at the tunnel mouth, proceeding to fill the frameswith the concrete that forms the compression layer of the pavement andthen the pavement finish. The upper cover (23) is joined by a hinge (25)to the corresponding frame (24), so that it permits it being opened byat least 100°, which permits us, at any time, to open all the uppercovers (23) leaving the tunnel completely visible and the differentcompartments accessible, these being formed by the space delimited by ahinged lid (15) and two adjacent pallets (2). Each compartment can beopened by turning its hinged cover (15) until it rests on thecorresponding supports (26). See FIG. 24.

The finish of the upper cover (23) can be metal, or made of constructionmaterial (similar to the pavement), or have a non-slip finish. Thelatter finish, installed longitudinally along the pavement, permits itto be an active element for inhabitants in the following aspects:

-   It helps to guide the blind. As long as they step on the non-slip    material they will be on the right route, when they step on the    pavement they will be on the wrong route.-   It helps to avoid the elderly or disabled from falling due to    slipping.-   It helps the injured walk with crutches.

It is possible that, due to the characteristics of the location of theutilities, e.g. when they run along a road, roadway or area with part ofthe utilities in operation, the installation of the inspectable tunnelof the type recommended is not possible, for which reason it will beobligatory to install non-inspectable buried pipes and cables. We havethis same case in the historic quarters of cities. For this, the currentart uses pipes which house the conductors therein, with the problemsthis implies, as regards the future extension of utilities or faults.The abovementioned elements which form the inspectable tunnel object ofthe invention likewise solve this problem (with the limitation of it notbeing inspectable), but due to capacity and structure permits foreseeingthe implantation of a new installation without having to performcomplementary works, i.e. open trenches, fit pipes, concrete, etc. Thereis the possibility of using two panels of the inspectable tunnelsdisclosed in FIG. 8, arranged in the way indicated in FIG. 25, bothbeing joined by screws as is indicated in the drawing. The element thusformed is introduced in the trench and externally filled with concrete,having, on its upper part, a steel framework if necessary, calculated inaccordance with the loads it has to bear (on the roadway) to finallyproceed with the final finish.

The piping and cabling done in this manner will have sufficient spaces,reserved for different utility companies that may use them in the futureand each space can even be subdivided by dividers (27) if desired.

Application PCT ES02/00019. filed Jan. 16, 2002 is fully incorporated byreference herein.

1. An inspectable tunnel for underground pipes and cables, comprisingtwo opposite, vertical trays (1), one of said trays being equipped withpallets (2) and a second of said trays be equipped with supports (26)used for a plurality of hinged covers. (15) to rest thereon in an openconfiguration; said covers being joined by flanges (5) to the pallets(2), which permits forming independent compartments with a hinged cover(15) and two adjacent pallets (2); so that each one of thesecompartments is accessible and independent from the others when theassociated cover is in the open configuration with the associated hingedcover (15) resting on a corresponding support (26) and each compartmentis closed when a respective cover is in a closed configuration; andwherein the vertical trays have recesses (3) used to engage telescopicshores (22) so that the vertical trays (1) can temporarily be maintainedseparate, opposite one another, until the tunnel is externally filledwith concrete and this sets.
 2. An inspectable tunnel for undergroundpipes and cables, comprising two opposite, vertical trays (1), one ofsaid trays being equipped with pallets (2) and a second of said trays beequipped with supports (26) used for a plurality of hinged covers (15)to rest thereon in an open configuration; said covers being joined byflanges (5) to the pallets (2), which permits forming independentcompartments with a hinged cover (15) and two adjacent pallets (2); sothat each one of these compartments is accessible and independent fromthe others when the associated cover is in the open configuration withthe associated hinged cover (15) resting on a corresponding support (26)and each compartment is closed when a respective cover is in a closedconfiguration; and wherein the vertical trays have recesses (3) used toengage telescopic shores (22) so that the vertical trays (1) cantemporarily be maintained separate, opposite one another, until thetunnel is externally filled with concrete and this sets; and includingthe shores (22) wherein the shores (22) are formed by an inner pipe (12)which penetrates in an outer pipe (13) being immobilized by pins that gothrough a plurality of through bores (14).